Ian Wright has heaped praise on Kobbie Mainoo, stating that the kid should be ‘given the keys’ to Manchester
United’s midfield following another good game.
Despite leading twice in the first half, United’s performance against Tottenham on Sunday was lackluster as they
ultimately had to settle for a 2-2 draw.
For significant portions of the match, Spurs maintained possession and territory, allowing Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who was
present for the first time since it was disclosed that he owned a 25% share in United, to see the actual scope of the
work ahead for the British billionaire.
But Mainoo, who has been impressing since making his Premier League debut in November of last year, was one
player who did come out on top of the game.
Wright is certain that the youth star is the team’s midfield of the future after seeing him start the last six games in all
competitions for the Red Devils.
‘Give him the keys, because when you look at the way he plays, his composure, his maturity for his age, the positions
he takes up, he’s somebody now,’ Wright remarked on Match of the Day 2.
‘I’m looking at Manchester United still playing counter-attacking football at home when you’ve got a man in midfield
that can progress the game and play the ball with such smoothness, such fluidity.
“I would really like to see Mainoo in a position where he can receive the ball and simply advance it.”
“At a certain point, just let him play. Let him be the coordinator, moving the ball forward, catching it, and playing it.
This way, the front men won’t have to run for transition as much and can instead come and play, link play, and one-
twos.” Take up football.
The tie keeps United eight points out of the top four and with just one win in their past six league games, despite
Mainoo’s impressive performance.
Furthermore, if Erik ten Hag can’t come up with a style of play, Gary Neville says his job will be in jeopardy.
The coach will ultimately be exposed because the new owner will want to see how the team plays, want energy, and
want razzmatazz, he stated on his Sky Sports podcast. “We need to see a style of play develop in the next few months
or else I think the coach will be vulnerable.”
I enjoy seeing the Spurs play football. Man United is a fascinating team to watch. They have some dynamic, skilled
players; maybe, in the next months, things will come together for Erik ten Hag.
“I am referring to patterns and combinations that players can depend on during challenging times in a game.”
Louis van Gaal was in charge the last time I witnessed a sequence of passes and plays that seemed to go together.
